Real Estate Fraud in Florida: Why the Risk is Growing and How to Protect Yourself

Posted on August 31, 2026

As our realtors are often quoted, “Location, location, location.”  Our Sunshine State’s real estate market attracts buyers, investors, retirees, and developers from across the country. Unfortunately, the same factors making Florida real estate desirable also make it a prime target for fraud. 

In recent years, title fraud, deed theft, wire fraud, seller impersonation scams, and fraudulent vacant land sales have been increasingly common throughout the state. Criminals take advantage of remote closings, online public records, rapidly appreciating property values, and the large number of absentee owners in Florida to target unsuspecting property owners and buyers. 

While real estate fraud can happen anywhere, several factors make Florida particularly vulnerable to attack. 

Why There is a Higher Risk of Real Estate Fraud in Florida

Types of Florida Real Estate

One of the biggest drivers of fraud in Florida is the high volume of vacant land, second homes, vacation properties, and investment properties throughout the state. 

Criminals often target properties that:

• Are vacant or undeveloped;
• Have absentee owners;
• Are owned by elderly individuals;
• Are held in estates or trusts; or
• Do not have an active mortgage attached to them.

According to the National Association of Realtors survey, vacant land accounted for approximately 62% of reported title fraud cases, while owner-occupied homes represented only a small percentage of cases. 

These scams can create serious legal issues and substantial financial losses for innocent buyers, title companies, and actual property owners. 

Remote Transactions and Digital Closings

The increase in remote closings and electronic communication in recent years has created convenience for buyers and sellers – but it has also created opportunities for scammers. 

Criminals frequently rely on:

• Fake emails accounts;
• Forged identification documents;
• Digitally altered signatures;
• Remote notarization abuse; and
• AI-generated impersonation tactics.

Without careful verification procedures, fraudulent transactions can move quickly before warning signs are detected.

Publicly Accessible Property Records

Florida’s public record system provides transparency, but criminals are able to use those same records to identify vulnerable properties and gather ownership information. Bad actors can locate owner names, mailing addresses, parcel information, and property transfer history online. This information can make it easier to impersonate legitimate property owners. 

Rapidly Appreciating Property Values

As Florida real estate continues to increase and/or retain its value in an otherwise declining market, the financial incentives for fraudsters increase as well. Vacant lots and investment properties that were once relatively low in value may now be worth six figures, making them more attractive for organized fraud schemes.

Common Types of Real Estate Fraud

Understanding why criminals may target certain properties is only the first step. To help combat real estate fraud, you must next understand what to look out for. 

Deed Fraud and Title Theft

Deed fraud, sometimes called “title piracy,” occurs when someone forges a deed or other legal document to unlawfully transfer ownership of property. 

Once the fraudulent deed is recorded, scammers may:

• Attempt to sell the property;
• Take out loans against the property;
• Rent the property to unsuspecting tenants; or
• Transfer the property multiple times to conceal the fraud.

Florida has seen multiple high-profile cases involving forged quitclaim deeds because these documents can be easily forged and electronically recorded (without the necessity of an original document) if the fraud is not detected early. 

Wire Fraud During Closings

Wire fraud remains one of the most financially devastating forms of real estate fraud. 

In these scams, criminals intercept emails exchanged during a legitimate real estate transaction and send redirected wire instructions to buyers or sellers. Because many closings are conducted electronically, victims may unknowingly send large sums of money directly to accounts belonging to fraudsters. Once funds are wired, recovery can be extremely difficult, if not impossible. 

How Property Owners Can Protect Themselves

Although real estate fraud is becoming more sophisticated, there are proactive steps property owners can take to reduce their risk.

Monitor Property Records Regularly

Property owners should periodically check county property records for unauthorized deeds, unexpected liens, mortgage filings, or ownership changes. Many Florida counties also offer free property fraud alert services that notify owners when documents are recorded against their property. 

Be Cautious with Wire Instructions

Before wiring funds, always verify instructions by phone using an independently trusted number, never rely solely on emailed wire instructions, and verbally confirm any last-minute changes over the phone directly with the title company or attorney’s office. 

Work With Trusted Real Estate Professionals

Experienced attorneys, title companies, and real estate professionals can help identify red flags during a transaction. Warning signs may include:

• Seller refusing video calls or in-person meetings;
• Requests for unusually fast closings;
• Properties listed significantly below market value;
• Communication solely through email or text; and
• Pressure to bypass normal verification procedures.

Consider Title Insurance

Title insurance may provide important protection against certain title defects, forgery, and ownership disputes. While it cannot always prevent fraud from occurring, it can help reduce the financial and legal consequences if fraud is discovered later. 

Final Thoughts

Florida’s booming real estate market continues to create opportunities for buyers and investors, but it has also created opportunities for criminal scammers. Vacant land fraud, deed theft, seller impersonation schemes, and wire fraud are becoming more sophisticated and common across the state. 

Property owners, buyers, and real estate professionals should remain vigilant and take proactive measures to verify the identities of involved parties, monitor property records, utilize trustworthy professionals, and carefully review all aspects of a transaction before closing. 

When fraud is suspected, acting quickly can make a significant difference in protecting ownership rights and minimizing financial losses.